NXNE's 30th edition was one for the ages. The long-running Toronto music festival put on one of its best-ever years, cementing a new partnership with Billboard Canada with some major one-of-a-kind events and shows. From Billboard Canada Managers to Watch and Power Players to the Billboard Summit to THE STAGE at Sankofa Square to the official launch of SiriusXM's Dhamaka with star South Asian artists Gurinder Gill, Anjulie and AR Paisley, there was something big and special going on every night from June 11-15. You could feel the energy.
Here are the highlights of NXNE 2025.
Daniel Caesar at Billboard Canada THE STAGE at NXNE on June 14, 2025 at the Mod Club in Toronto.Door 24
Daniel Caesar Played a Hometown Show for the Ages
Daniel Caesar played his first major headlining show at Mod Club in 2016. Returning to the same legendary venue now having reached arena status, he treated the intimate show like a true homecoming. The Billboard Canada THE STAGE at NXNE show was by far the hottest ticket in town on this Saturday night (June 14), and the lucky 600 fans in attendance were treated to something truly special from the hometown R&B star now living in New York. It felt like something that could only happen once, at this particular time and this particular place, at this particular festival.
Instead of his full arena-style concert, Daniel Caesar opted for an acoustic set, sometimes with just him and his guitar and sometimes with accompaniment on keyboards or keys and drums. There was a spontaneity and looseness that connected him deeply to the audience, who knew every word to every song. It was reminiscent of Neil Young at Massey Hall in 1971, as I heard it compared by a few different people in the room that night. It was an artist who's reached heights reconnecting with the true spirit of his early days: a guitar, his beautiful aching vocals and the fans who'd been with him from day one.
Though he had worked out a large setlist (traded around on Reddit after the show), the singer-songwriter was clearly deciding which songs to play on the fly. He took requests from the audience, including rarities he hasn't played in years. He bantered extensively between them, sharing stories behind early songs like "Medulla Oblongata" ("Back then I could write a verse and a chorus and that's it," he admitted), complimenting the looks of the crowd and talking to specific people in the friends-and-family-filled crowd. "I'm a little drunk and I had some mushrooms today," he said. "You're going to have to listen to me talk."
He played songs from throughout his career, from his early days as "a scruffy ass kid in these Toronto streets," to hits like "Best Part." He even debuted a new one, "Moon," which ached with the same tender vulnerability as the best of his music. When he first played the venue he was in his early 20s and now he's 30, he said, "not young anymore" but happy to see all the young fans in attendance. He was worried he was going to sob on stage, but instead got it all out of his system on the way to the venue, he admitted, passing all the pivotal spots of his youth.
Multiple times throughout the night, as his fans sang along to every word of songs like "Superpowers," he laughed — partly out of joy of seeing how his fans were taking ownership of his songs, and partly because the crowds backing vocals were messing with his timing. But he didn't mind, often letting the crowd fully take over and sing at the top of their lungs. Caesar went right up to curfew, having to eventually stop playing despite the chants of "overtime." "I was worried I wouldn't have enough to say or to play," he said. "It turns out I didn't have enough time."
Presented by Adidas in partnership with Amazon Music Canada.
Khalid at Billboard Canada THE STAGE at NXNE on June 12, 2025 at Sankofa Square in Toronto.Door 24
Khalid Catches A Fan’s Friendship Bracelet Onstage
Khalid filled up Sankofa Square on June 12 for a concert where his fans showed up in droves to sing along loudly to several of his biggest hits. With four dancers in tow and a set full of undeniable bangers, Khalid put on a true standout performance in the heart of downtown Toronto at Billboard Canada THE STAGE at NXNE that doubled as the festival's 30th birthday.
From “Location” to “Young Dumb & Broke,” Khalid excited the packed square with songs from throughout his career. He even swiftly caught a friendship bracelet that was tossed to him by a fan and proceeded to make a heart gesture back at them.
Khalid was all smiles throughout his performance and received a roaring response upon asking if there were any day one fans in the crowd who have been following him since his breakthrough debut album American Teen. He's about to enter a new phase of his career, one that will draw on his connection to his fans to be the truest, most authentic version of himself. It was clear from this show, his people are ready.
Earlier sets by UP NEXT Canadian artists DJ 4KORNERS, Alicia Moffet, Roy Woods and Aqyila also got the crowd primed and ready with standout sets.
Presented by iHeartRadio Canada partnership with Ardene, Tixr, Prvost, TTC, Campus Creators and BlogTO.
The Beaches at NXNE on June 15, 2025 at the Mod Club in Toronto.Door 24
The Beaches Keep The Party Going
The Beaches are about to graduate to arena status, playing their hometown Scotiabank Arena this year. But first, they had a special show for 600 people at the Mod Club. It was a true hometown show for the band. "I live a seven minute walk away," said Eliza Enman-McDaniel. It was a full circle moment for Leandra Earl, who first saw their previous incarnation, Done With Dolls, at the venue well over a decade ago and is now an indispensable member of the Beaches. From the balcony, their manager Laurie Lee Boutet, fresh from winning Manager of the Year at Billboard Canada Managers to Watch, watched on proudly and earned a shoutout from the girls.
The viral success of their 2023 hit "Blame Brett" was not a one-off. The Toronto band have used it to propel them towards major rock stardom, and you could tell at this show. Taking turns on a platform onstage, they flexed their arena moves and propelled their songs with a particular new wave rhythm. Playing on Sunday night (June 15), their show was one of the last of the festival, and their single "Last Girls at the Party" off their upcoming album No Hard Feelings felt particularly fitting. As the fans chanted along with the countdown lyrics, it felt like a catharsis to the whole week of NXNE.
Before the encore, NXNE founder Michael Hollett and Billboard Canada CCO Elizabeth Crisante joined The Beaches onstage to present them with the Honourary Alumni Award, recognizing their role in the legendary 30-year run of NXNE.
The Beaches Last Girls at the Parties DJ Set at the Bovine Sex Club in Toronto on June 11, 2025 as part of NXNE.Kirsten Sonntag
Earlier in the week, on June 11, The Beaches treated their fans to a Last Girls at the Parties DJ party at the Bovine Sex Club, which drew a long line down Queen Street and kept up the energy well into the night. It meant the band had the honour of both opening and closing NXNE 2025.
Presented by Spotify Canada's EQUAL program.
Shawn Desman Gets Emotional
Shawn Desman has been a performer for over two decades, and his music has reflected many of his most emotional moments. At an intimate acoustic performance and Q&A for his fans at Division 88 on Saturday (June 14), Desman got choked up when discussing his hit “Love You With the Lights On,” a track about his wife’s experience with an ostomy bag and a wider message about self-love. He got choked up again performing the song, collecting himself as his fans cheered him on with emotional support.
He performed the song and a handful of other hits – “Night Like This”, “Nobody Does It Like You” and “Shiver,” to name a few – to the venue’s lucky crowd of contest winners. For many, Desman’s music is the Canadian soundtrack to growing up during Y2K and the early 2010s. Breaking through the nostalgia and navigating a successful comeback after his career-reviving performance at Drake’s OVO Fest in 2023, he remains an integral part of the nation’s cultural zeitgeist. In conversation with Billboard Canada’s National Editor, Richard Trapunski, Desman shared his journey from starting to make Portuguese music as a child to becoming a chart-topping pop star that fans have come to love. With his keyboardist, Kirk, in tow, Desman transformed his most upbeat songs into stripped-back moments that kept the crowd entranced.
He ended the set with “BODY,” his currently charting summer pop track featuring Ottawa’s Jamie Fine. The duo is set to co-headline on tour in November and December. A to-be-announced Toronto date, he promises, is coming in the early fall. It’s clear how deeply Desman cares about his fans — many of whom have grown up with him. During the latter part of the Q&A, he actively brought the microphone to fans, excitedly answering their questions on topics like his collaborative songwriting process and deep-cut tracks he wants to perform on tour.
It was a busy day for Desman, who played a surprise set at Bloor-Yonge TTC station for commuters right after, bringing a high-energy counterpart to this acoustic set.
Ruby Waters at Lee's Palace in Toronto on June 13, 2025 as part of NXNE.Kirsten Sonntag
Ruby Waters Makes a Splash
“I can’t wait for the next one!” singer Ruby Waters declared while ending off her late-night set at Lee’s Palace on Friday, June 13. The 27-year-old alt-pop singer was one of the handpicked emerging Canadian artists to play during NXNE in a Billboard Canada Live showcase. She came on a cool two minutes after 10 pm, looking relaxed, but instantly commanding the stage. With her electric guitar slung around her body, the crowd was enamoured by Waters from the first note.
Standing between two life-size hand-cutouts on stage, the Ontario-born indie-pop vocalist planted herself in the middle, singing fan-favourites like “Quantum Physics” and “Supernatural,” and the audience sang along. Her voice is emotive and strong, sometimes compared to the likes of RAYE and Amy Winehouse, but maintains a singular nature that feels solely like herself. Woven into her set were two knock-out covers — “Good Times, Bad Times,” by Led Zeppelin and “If It Makes You Happy,” by Sheryl Crow.
“I f—ing love you so much, there’s so many familiar faces,” she said before playing “Sweet Sublime,” an early track that went viral on Reddit seven years ago.
But it wasn’t all about the music — at the set’s halfway mark, a rogue pool raft flew into the crowd, and Waters put down the guitar to shoot water guns. During her three-track encore, she paused to toss unopened beer cans into the sea of sweaty fans. As she exited the stage, she thanked everyone behind the scenes of the festival for making this night happen. Now that’s a true pop star in the making.
New Friends at The Garrison in Toronto on June 12 as part of NXNE.Leo Montero
New Friends Show Off Their Full Range
Ontario indie-pop band New Friends played an eclectic set at the Garrison on June 12, combining existing and unreleased material that spanned genres and energies. They left it all on the floor at The Garrison, giving the crowd a taste of everything they can do.
The group — who've gone viral multiple times over and received co-signs from industry giants like Timbaland, Justin Timberlake and Ryan Tedder — received a roaring ovation at the end of their set and then played an encore of their recent track “wait4me," which the audience specifically shouted out.
Lead singer Stefan Boulineau commanded the stage all night with his presence and smooth vocals, which ranged between a soft, pop-coded timbre (think Ed Sheeran with hints of The Weeknd) and brash screams during rock songs. His bandmates played with just as much vigour, between Cole Wilson’s electrifying guitar riffs, Conrad Galecki’s bass grooves and Nico Elias’ enthusiastic drumming.
The band covered the entire spectrum from intense rock songs to indie-pop anthems like “Ricochet” and even a heartfelt, acoustic piano-driven ballad, keeping the crowd immersed through every degree of intensity. New Friends already perform like superstars.
King Cruff at the Drake Underground as part of NXNE in Toronto on June 11, 2025.Kirsten Sonntag
King Cruff Says "Jamaican Men Do Not Cheat"
Canadian-Jamaican artist King Cruff delivered an energetic and animated set at the Drake Underground on June 11 full of bold vocals and infectious dancehall, reggae, hip-hop and Afrobeats grooves. One of the highlights was his new single “Bunch,” which was released two days after the performance.
Cruff introduced the song by playfully proclaiming that “Jamaican men do not cheat,” one of the song’s lyrics and main catchphrases (seen on posters throughout Toronto), which elicited lighthearted laughs in the crowd. The track’s interpolation of Harry Belafonte’s “Banana Boat Song (Day-O)” in the chorus made for an effective call and response.
Cruff (who happens to be Bob Marley's grandson) danced around the stage and got the audience involved throughout the night. His music got the crowd moving, but his onstage charisma is what connected the most.
renforshort at Lee's Palace in Toronto as part of NXNE on June 13, 2025.Joanna Roselli
renforshort Plays Her Full New EP
Canadian alt-pop sensation renforshort recently released her new EP a girl's experience on Nettwerk, and she played the whole thing at her Saturday night (June 13) showcase at Lee's Palace. Born Lauren Isenberg, she's got a penchant for old-soul songwriting and big hooks that burst out of the speaker, which was all evident in the new songs. But she didn't just stick to the new stuff. She also dug back for "I Drive Me Mad," one of her earliest hits, which now boasts over a million views on YouTube.
It was a solid lineup from start to back, with The Haileys showing themselves as a band to watch and Katherine Li playing through a not-working guitar to deliver a memorable moment singing with the empathetic crowd. It was a fun night of rock-tinged pop songs from talented female artists who could be on their way to big things.
Charlie Edward Shows His Rock Star Moves
Charlie Edward is a young and talented guitar hero, ready to bust out a face-melting solo at any time. He showed that on Thursday night (June 12) at the Vatican Gift Shop. He treated the intimate bar like a stadium, busting out countless rock star moves and boasting that his version of Teddy Swims' "Simple Things" just might be better than the original. He was playing in his own east end neighbourhood, which was a strange feeling. In the crowd were both people from his label and people from his laundromat. He treated them all to new music, with his set ending at midnight and his brand new debut EP Let Me Grow dropping as soon as he left the stage.
More Highlights from Billboard Canada Live
Billboard Canada programmed up-and-coming Canadian acts throughout NXNE, and they all used the platform to show off what makes them special.
Bleeker at the Garrison in Toronto on June 11, 2025 as part of NXNE.Joanna Roselli
Orillia rock band Bleeker have a history that stretches back 20 years, and you could feel it in their energetic jump-all-over-the-place stage presence and crunchy riffs at The Garrison on June 11. Their song "F-- You I'm Leaving" comes out this Friday, June 20.
At the Horseshoe Tavern on Saturday, June 14, singer-songwriter Martin Kerr evoked a timeless folk spirit, combining heartfelt poetic ballads and searching political anthems for the post-truth era. Playing with piano accompaniment, it felt very intimate.
Jules Is Dead at Supermarket in Toronto on June 14, 2025 as part of NXNE.Kirsten Sonntag
Jules Is Dead brought a fresh edge to emo and punk. At the Supermarket on Saturday night (June 14), the 18-year-old non-binary Barrie songwriter showcased a set of songs that was both catchy and powerful.
Anna Sofia at the Rivoli in Toronto on June 14, 2025 as part of NXNE.Cory Barter
Another early-career up-and-comer, Anna Sofia brought an eclectic mix of influences to the Rivoli on Saturday night (June 14), blending rock, hip-hop and electronic music into unique pop song nuggets.
Freeze The Fall at Handlebar on June 14, 2025 in Toronto as part of NXNE.Cory Barter
Also on June 14, 604 Records B.C. rock band Freeze The Fall played a hard-hitting set that packed Handlebar and showed they should be back to rock an even bigger venue soon. The fans are waiting.
Billboard Canada’s parent company AMG co-owns NXNE and its brands are official media partners of NXNE.
